FNC Approves Rules to Supervise Quran Centers across UAE
The aim of the law is to improve learning of the Quran in the UAE and to make sure “proper Islamic knowledge” is taught, the National daily reported.
FNC member Rashad Bukhash, rapporteur for the Islamic Affairs and Endowment Committee, said there needed to be better supervision of Quran centers.
“The need comes as a wish to organize private centers for Quran memorization, and to have the centers supervised, and to seek auditing of the centre’s data,” he said.
Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), said the law would ensure youngsters were taught Islamic knowledge based on the Quran.
“As per our strategic plans, we aim to initiate projects that encourage Quran memorization and equip centers with technologies, as well as provide services that attract students,” he said.
The law states that school curriculums and Islamic programs that the centers will teach must be evaluated by specialist entities.
Only those who are over 21, have a good behavior certificate and do not have a criminal record are allowed to own, manage or teach at the centers. It aims to make sure that those with criminal records are not allowed to become teachers.
Activities will be limited to the memorization and tawjeed (elocution) of the Quran and its teachings.
The centers must be based in buildings that meet health and safety standards, and must have separate classes for males and females. They must also have activity areas that the executive list will specify.
Centers will be allowed to cooperate with each other to improve their services. But overseas centres must have a permit to be able to participate.
The council also approved a new article prohibiting the establishment or management of a teaching centre until the proper licensing has been obtained from the specified authority.
The license must be renewed every year, although there will be no additional fees after the first application.
The law also prohibits the centers from collecting alms and donations, giving lectures without approval, using the centers for political reasons, or publishing books or audio recordings without the approval of the authorities.
The centers must also disclose accounts, revealing the amount paid by the owner, the financial returns, the waqf (charitable endowments of a plot of land) and any other payments.
Those who fail to abide by the rules can be jailed for up to two months, with a fine of Dh50,000, or both. Such laws will not be in effect for federal or national entities, and will be applied only to private centers.
The law will be sent to the Cabinet before it is passed to the President for final approval.
